Sam Thompson Put on the Spot About Ex's New Romance During Radio Show
Reality television personality Sam Thompson found himself in an unexpected situation during a recent radio appearance when a caller directly referenced his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott's new relationship with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson. The incident occurred while Thompson was filling in as host for the Hits Radio Breakfast show, temporarily taking over for regular presenters Fleur East, Will Best, and James Barr.
Awkward Radio Moment References One Direction Hit
The caller brought up Tomlinson's popular track "Steal My Girl" in what appeared to be a pointed reference to the relationship dynamics between Thompson, McDermott, and Tomlinson. Thompson was momentarily taken aback by the directness of the question, pausing briefly and covering his mouth with his hand before recovering with laughter.
"Holly, I am live on air! How do I feel? First of all, and I mean this when I say it, it's a brilliant song. I still listen to it on the tube," Thompson responded, acknowledging the awkwardness of being put on the spot during a live broadcast.
He went on to explain that despite the potentially uncomfortable subject matter, he genuinely enjoys the song and frequently includes it in his personal playlist during London Underground journeys. "I know that sounds weird but I listen to it on the tube all the time," he added with apparent sincerity.
No Hard Feelings Between Former Partners
More significantly, Thompson made it clear that he harbors no resentment toward either McDermott or Tomlinson regarding their relationship. The reality star revealed that he had previously met Tomlinson at a charity football match and came away with a positive impression of the singer.
"I don't actually feel weird about it because I feel quite happy as long as everyone else is happy," Thompson stated during the broadcast. "I think everyone has found their person and I think that's really, really nice."
He described Tomlinson as "a really nice dude" and emphasized that there appears to be no tension between them despite the unusual circumstances of their connection through McDermott. Thompson concluded his thoughts on the matter by praising the song once more, calling it "an absolute banger" and noting that "everyone is looking for love you know."
Moving Forward with New Relationships
Thompson ended his long-term relationship with McDermott in late 2024, and both individuals have since moved on publicly with new partners. While McDermott has been dating Tomlinson, Thompson has quietly begun a new chapter with model Talitha Balinska.
The reality star first revealed his relationship with Balinska on his podcast, "Staying Relevant," where he excitedly announced "I've got a girlfriend! I've got a girlfriend!" His co-host Pete Wicks jokingly responded that they had "lost him again to the dark powers of a woman."
Thompson described the moment he asked Balinska to be his girlfriend as surprisingly low-key. "Mate, it was just super relaxed. It was so boring, really, but that's kind of how I wanted it to be," he explained. "We just went for dinner, and I was like, 'I really like you'. And I just went, 'I'd love to be your boyfriend'."
He elaborated on his feelings, telling Balinska during their conversation: "Look, I really, really like you, and you make me feel really... comfortable. I feel like I can be myself around you. I don't want to be dating anyone else. I'm 33, I wouldn't be dating someone this amount of time if I didn't think it had legs to last."
Life After the Breakup
Wicks congratulated Thompson on his new relationship and noted how far he had come since the previous Christmas, which marked the breakdown of his relationship with McDermott. Meanwhile, McDermott's life has also undergone significant changes following the separation.
After the breakup, McDermott briefly returned to her parents' home before eventually moving in with Tomlinson in North London. The couple made their relationship official on Instagram in May and were later seen enjoying time together at the Glastonbury Festival.
Thompson's candid radio appearance provides insight into the amicable nature of his post-breakup relationship with McDermott and demonstrates his willingness to address potentially awkward topics with humor and grace. The incident highlights how public figures navigate personal relationships under media scrutiny while maintaining positive connections with former partners.
